Two Part Container Adapted To Separately Hold Consumable Foodstuffs

ABSTRACT

A two part container adapted to separately hold consumable foodstuffs. The two part container provides a convenient device for transporting different foodstuffs in a separated fashion using a single container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/247,859, filed Oct. 11, 2005, whichclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/012,452 (thecurrent application is also a continuation of Ser. No. 11/247,859),filed Dec. 15, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of and claimspriority to: U.S. Design patent application 29/214,964, filed Oct. 12,2004; and U.S. Design patent application 29/217,503, filed Nov. 18,2004; each of the above patent applications is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is generally directed to foodstuff containers and,more specifically, is directed to a two part container adapted toseparately hold consumable foodstuff.

Typically, when a liquid foodstuff, such as soda, and a solid foodstuff,such as grapes, are transported to school or work for later consumption,they are transported in separate containers. This often requires that abag or knapsack be used to carry the multiple containers necessary totransport the desired foodstuffs When the containers are carried byhand, carrying the various containers can be unwieldy for adults anddifficult for children. Additionally, when a child remains home afteradults have left and the child is responsible for organizing preparedfoods to take with her or him, a child will often forget part of a snackor meal.

It would be advantageous to provide a two part container adapted toseparately hold consumable foodstuffs which can either be beverages orfood; preferably, at least one of the container parts includes thermalenergy storage material to allow the consumable foodstuff in thatcontainer part to be chilled or heated.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a two partcontainer adapted to separately hold consumable foodstuffs. The two partcontainer includes a first container which includes a first containerbase. A first container sidewall extends from the base to define a firstcontainer mouth. The first container sidewall is formed by inner andouter panels. The inner panel and the first container base define afirst foodstuff receiving cavity. The outer panel is generallycoextensive with and spaced from the inner panel to define a chambertherebetween. Thermal energy storage material is located in the chamber.A second container includes a second container base. A second containersidewall extends from the second container base to define a secondcontainer mouth. The second container sidewall and the second containerbase define a second foodstuff receiving cavity. The first and secondcontainers are detachably engageable to form the two part container.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a two partcontainer adapted to separately hold consumable foodstuffs. The two partcontainer includes a first container having a first longitudinal axis.The first container includes a first container base. A first containersidewall extends from the base to define a first container mouth. Thefirst container sidewall defines a first foodstuff cavity. A secondcontainer has a second longitudinal axis The second container includes asecond container base. A second container sidewall extends from thesecond container base to define a second container mouth. The secondcontainer sidewall and the second container base define a second foodreceiving cavity. The first and second containers are detachablyengageable in a generally end-to-end fashion so that the first andsecond longitudinal axes are aligned to form the two part container.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a two partcontainer adapted to separately hold consumable foodstuffs. The two partcontainer includes a first container generally elongated about a firstlongitudinal axis. The first container includes a first container base.A first container sidewall extends from the base to define a firstcontainer mouth. The first container sidewall is formed by inner andouter panels. The inner panel and the first container base define afirst foodstuff receiving cavity. The outer panel is generallycoextensive with and spaced from the inner panel to define a chambertherebetween. Thermal energy storage material is located in the chamber.A second container is generally elongated about a second longitudinalaxis. The second container includes a second container base. A secondcontainer sidewall extends from the second container base to define asecond container mouth. The second container sidewall and the secondcontainer base define a second foodstuff receiving cavity. The first andsecond containers are detachably engageable in a generally end-to-endfashion so that the first and second longitudinal axes are aligned toform the two part container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following description of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawingsembodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however,that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective partially broken away view of a first preferredembodiment of the two part container of the present invention; thebroken away section makes clearer the first container base 20 and theinner panel 26; the two part container includes a first container havingthermal energy storage material therein; the two part container caninclude thermal energy storage material in the first container and/or inthe second container to allow one or both of the first and secondcontainers to be heated and/or chilled;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the twopart container of the present invention; the two part container ispreferably formed of generally translucent material which can have paperinserts placed therein or therearound to add a desired design;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the two part container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective partially broken away view of a third preferredembodiment of the two part container of the present invention; thebroken away section makes clearer the second container base 38 and theinner panel 26; the second container includes thermal energy storagematerial for heating or cooling the contents therein; however, both thefirst and second containers can include thermal energy storage materialor the thermal energy storage material can be omitted altogether withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention; additionally, whenthermal energy storage material is included in either of the first orsecond containers, the first or second containers may be formed oftranslucent material to allow the container to have the color of theassociated thermal energy storage material;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the twopart container of the present invention; the two part container hastranslucent first and second containers and preferably does not usethermal energy storage material therein; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the two part container of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the two part container anddesignated parts thereof. The word “foodstuff”, as used in the claimsand in the corresponding portions of the specification, is defined asincluding “one or both of liquid foods (such as milk, water, Gatorade,soda or the like) and solid foods (such as cookies, cereal, sandwiches,egg salad, or the like).” The words “a” and “one” are defined asincluding one or more of the referenced item unless specifically statedotherwise. This terminology includes the words above specificallymentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, wherein like numerals indicate like elementsthroughout, four preferred embodiments of a two part container are shownand designated 10:1-10:4, respectively. Briefly stated, the two partcontainer 10:1-10:4 provides an improved container for transportingseparated foodstuffs. The two part container 10:1-10:4 is preferablyalso able to keep foodstuffs therein chilled or heated as desired.

While the top container part shown in the drawings is referred to as thefirst container 12 and the bottom container part shown in the drawingsis referred to as the second container 14, such designations are forconvenience only. It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the artfrom this disclosure, that the terms first and second container 12, 14as used in the claims can each refer to either one of the containerparts shown in the drawings. That is, the claimed “second container” mayrefer to either the top or bottom container part shown in the drawings(while the claimed “first container” refers to the remaining containerpart shown in the drawings) without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

The first and second containers 12, 14 are preferably made of apolymeric material, such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyphthalate carbonate (PPC) or anyother suitable material. The first and second containers 12, 14preferably have generally circular cross-sections.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment of the two partcontainer 10:1 is shown. The two part container 10:1 is adapted toseparately hold consumable foodstuffs. The top portion of the two partcontainer 10:1 is formed by a first container 12 that preferably flaresgenerally outwardly from the second container 14 in a conical fashion.The first container 12 includes a first container base 20 whichpreferably has a generally circular shape. A first container sidewall 22extends from the base 20 to define a first container mouth 24. The firstcontainer sidewall 22 is formed by inner and outer panels 26, 28. Theinner and outer panels 26, 28 may be translucent or opaque, as desired.

The inner panel 26 and the first container base 20 define a firstfoodstuff receiving cavity 30. The outer panel 28 is generallycoextensive with and spaced from the inner panel 26 to define a chamber32 therebetween.

It is preferred that a first diameter 34 of the first container mouth 24is greater than a second diameter 36 of the first container base 20. Itis also preferred that the outer panel 28 of the first container 12 isgenerally translucent so that the first container 12 generally has thecolor of the thermal energy storage material 16 located in the chamber32. The thermal energy storage material 16 is preferably any suitablefreezable and/or reheatable material, such as a refreezable gel or thelike. It is preferred that the gel can undergo repeated cycles offreezing and thawing in order to provide cooling. Heat storing materialsmay also be utilized such that the thermal energy storage material canbe placed in a microwave oven to allow the thermal energy storagematerial 16 to provide warmth to foodstuffs.

Referring to the first and second embodiments of the two part container10:1, 10:2 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the two part container 10:1, 10:2includes a second container 14. The second container 14 preferably has agenerally elongated tubular shape. The second container 14 includes asecond container base 38. It is preferred that the second container base38 is generally circular. A second container sidewall 40 extends fromthe second container base 38 to define a second container mouth 42.Referring specifically to FIG. 3, it is preferable that an end cap 44form a lid for the second container mouth 42. The end cap 44 ispreferably secured to the second container 14 via a threaded connection46. However, any known means for securing the end cap 44 to the secondcontainer 14 can be used without departing from the present invention.For example, the end cap 44 can be secured to the second container 14via a twist lock mechanism, a snap fit mechanism or the like. While theend cap 44 is shown as a solid lid, those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate from this disclosure that the end cap 44 can be formedfrom a drinking lid that incorporates a spout or other mechanism fordrinking therefrom.

The second container sidewall 40 and the second container base 38 definea second foodstuff receiving cavity 48. Referring to the fourthembodiment of the two part container 10:4 shown in FIG. 6, it ispreferable that a third diameter 50 of the second container mouth 42 isgreater than a fourth diameter 52 of the second container base 38.

Referring to the two part container 10:1, 10:2 of FIGS. 1-3, it ispreferred, but not necessary, that the first and second container mouths24, 42 are located on generally opposing sides of the two part container10:1, 10:2 when the first and second containers 12, 14 are attached.However, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the two part container 10:3, 10:4 mayincorporate first and second containers 12, 14 that, when attached,result in the first container 12 providing a lid for the secondcontainer 14. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the second container 14 may have agenerally translucent sidewall.

The first and second containers 12, 14 are detachably engageable to formthe two part container 10:1-10:4. Referring to FIG. 3, the first andsecond containers may be detachably engaged via a twist lock mechanism.Alternatively, referring to FIG. 6, the first and second containers 12,14 may be detachably engageable via a threaded connection 46. Any knownconnection method can be used without departing from the presentinvention.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the two part container 10:1 may include a gripmember 54 positioned approximate to an interface between the first andsecond containers 12, 14 and secured generally around the firstcontainer base 20 when the first and second containers 12, 14 areattached. This grip member 54 is preferably made of a soft rubber orother material suitable for easy gripping.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the first container 12 preferably has afirst longitudinal axis 56 and the second container preferably has asecond longitudinal axis 58. When the first and second containers 12, 14are detachably engaged, it is preferred that the first and second axesare aligned to position the first and second containers 12, 14 in agenerally end-to-end fashion. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the two partcontainer may be configured for convenient use with milk and cookies.For example, milk can be placed in the first container 12. As shown inFIG. 1, thermal energy storage material can be used to chill the milkprior to consumption. The circular second container 14 is ideal forstoring cookies therein. It is preferred that the diameter of each ofthe cookies is generally the same as an interior diameter of the secondcontainer sidewall 40. While the second containers 14 of FIGS. 1-3 areshown as having an end cap 44 which seals a downwardly facing secondcontainer mouth 42, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatefrom this disclosure that the second container 14 can have a mouth 42 onan upper end that is sealed by the first container 12 without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, the two part container 10:3, 10:4 may beused for milk and cereal. For example, milk is preferably placed in thesecond container 14 (or may be placed in the second container 12) andthermal energy storage material 16 may be used to keep the milk cooluntil consumption. Cereal is then positioned in the remaining containerpart. A foldable spoon can be located in the cereal holding containerpart so that the consumption of an entire meal does not require carryingadditional materials.

While specific types of foodstuffs have been discussed above, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that anytype of foodstuffs may be used with the first and second containerswithout departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally,a handle or carry strap may be integrated with the two part container10:1-10:4 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

While the illustrated embodiments of the two part container 10:1-10:4are shown as being generally cylindrically shaped, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure, that the firstand containers 12, 14 can have any cross-section without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. For example, the first and secondcontainers 12, 14 may have a square, triangular, polygonal or aregularly shaped cross-section without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention operates asfollows. The first container 12 is preferably refrigerated or frozen sothat the thermal energy storage material 16 will provide cooling to anyfoodstuffs therein. Then, milk is poured in the first foodstuffreceiving cavity 30 and a lid 18 is placed thereon. While the lid 18 isshown as a solid, flat lid, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate from this disclosure that the lid can be formed from adrinking lid that incorporates a spout or other mechanism for drinkingtherefrom.

The end cap 44 of the second container 14 is removed and cookies aresequentially slid inside the second container 14. Once the secondcontainer 14 holds the desired number of cookies, the end cap 14 issecured thereto. The bases 20, 38 of the first and second containers 12,14 are detachably engaged to form a two part container 10:1.

Once cookies and milk are desired, the second container 14 is separatedfrom the first container 12. The first container 12 is preferably placedon a flat surface, such as a table, and the lid 18 removed. Then, theend cap 44 of the second container 14 is removed so that one or morecookies can be slid out of the second container 14. The cookies can thenbe dunked in the milk or otherwise consumed therewith.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present inventionpreferably operates as follows, the second container 14 is preferablyrefrigerated or frozen so that thermal energy storage material 16 canprovide cooling to foodstuffs therein. Then, milk is poured into thesecond container 14 and the second container 14 is sealed by detachablyengaging the first container 12 thereover. Then, cereal is poured intothe first container 12. It is preferable that a foldable spoon is placedon top of the cereal for convenience only. A lid 18 is then used to sealthe first container 12.

Once consumption of cereal and milk is desired, the first container 12is removed from the second container 14 and placed on a flat surfacesuch as a table, and a lid 18 is removed therefrom. Then, any spoon orother utensil is removed from the first container 12 and the secondcontainer 14 is used to pour milk over the cereal in the first container12.

While various shapes, configurations, uses, and features have beendescribed above and are shown in the drawings for the variousembodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate from this disclosure that any combination of the abovefeatures can be used without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, it is recognized by those skilled in the artthat changes may be made to the above described embodiments of theinvention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. Itis understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover allmodifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.

1. A two part container adapted to separately hold consumablefoodstuffs, comprising: a first container, comprising: a first containerbase; a first container sidewall extending from the base to define afirst container mouth, the first container sidewall being formed byinner and outer panels, the inner panel and the first container basedefining a first foodstuff receiving cavity, the outer panel beinggenerally coextensive with and spaced from the inner panel to define achamber therebetween; and thermal energy storage material being locatedin the chamber; a second container comprising: a second container base;and a second container sidewall extending from the second container baseto define a second container mouth, the second container sidewall andthe second container base defining a second foodstuff receiving cavity;wherein the first and second containers are detachably engageable toform the two part container.
 2. The two part container of claim 1,wherein the first and second containers are detachably engageable via atwist lock mechanism.
 3. The two part container of claim 2, wherein,when the first and second containers are attached, the first containerprovides a lid for the second container mouth.
 4. The two part containerof claim 1, wherein, when the first and second containers are attached,the first container provides a lid for the second container mouth. 5.The two part container of claim 4, further comprising a grip memberpositioned proximate an interface between the first and secondcontainers and secured generally around the first container base whenthe first and second containers are attached.
 6. The two part containerof claim 4, wherein a first diameter of the first container mouth isgreater than a second diameter of the first container base.
 7. The twopart container of claim 1, wherein a first diameter of the firstcontainer mouth is greater than a second diameter of the first containerbase.
 8. The two part container of claim 1, further comprising: milk inthe first container, wherein the thermal energy storage material isconfigured to chill the milk; cookies in the second container, whereinthe diameter of each of the cookies is generally the same as an interiordiameter of the second container sidewall.
 9. The two part container ofclaim 1, further comprising: milk in the first container, wherein thethermal energy storage material is configured to chill the milk; andcereal in the second container.
 10. The two part container of claim 9,wherein a first diameter of the first container mouth is greater than asecond diameter of the first container base.
 11. The two part containerof claim 10, wherein the second container has a generally cylindrical,tube shape.
 12. The two part container of claim 9, wherein a thirddiameter of the second container mouth is greater than a fourth diameterof the second container base.
 13. The two part container of claim 9,further comprising a foldable spoon locatable in at least one of thefirst and second containers.
 14. The two part container of claim 1,further comprising the first and second container mouths being locatedon generally opposing sides of the two part container when the first andsecond containers are attached.
 15. The two part container of claim 1,wherein the second panel of the first container is generally translucentso that the first container generally has a color of the thermal energystorage material.
 16. The two part container of claim 15, wherein thesecond container sidewall is generally translucent.
 17. The two partcontainer of claim 1, wherein the second container sidewall is generallytranslucent.
 18. A two part container adapted to separately holdconsumable foodstuffs, comprising: a first container having a firstlongitudinal axis, comprising: a first container base; a first containersidewall extending from the base to define a first container mouth, thefirst container sidewall defining a first foodstuff receiving cavity; asecond container having a second longitudinal axis, comprising: a secondcontainer base; and a second container sidewall extending from thesecond container base to define a second container mouth, the secondcontainer sidewall and the second container base defining a secondfoodstuff receiving cavity; wherein the first and second containers aredetachably engageable in a generally end-to-end fashion so that thefirst and second longitudinal axes are aligned to form the two partcontainer.
 19. The two part container of claim 18, wherein the first andsecond containers are detachably engageable via a twist lock mechanism.20. The two part container of claim 18, wherein, when the first andsecond containers are attached, the first container provides a lid forthe second container mouth.
 21. The two part container of claim 18,further comprising a grip member positioned proximate an interfacebetween the first and second containers and secured generally around thefirst container base when the first and second containers are attached.22. The two part container of claim 18, wherein a first diameter of thefirst container mouth is greater than a second diameter of the firstcontainer base.
 23. The two part container of claim 22, furthercomprising: milk in the first container; cookies in the secondcontainer, wherein the diameter of each of the cookies is generally thesame as an interior diameter of the second container sidewall.
 24. Thetwo part container of claim 18, further comprising: milk in the firstcontainer; and cereal in the second container.
 25. The two partcontainer of claim 24, wherein a first diameter of the first containermouth is greater than a second diameter of the first container base. 26.The two part container of claim 25, wherein the second container has agenerally cylindrical, tube shape.
 27. The two part container of claim18, further comprising the first and second container mouths beinglocated on generally opposing sides of the two part container when thefirst and second containers are attached.
 28. The two part container ofclaim 18, wherein the first sidewall of the first container is generallytranslucent.
 29. The two part container of claim 28, wherein the secondcontainer sidewall is generally translucent.
 30. A two part containeradapted to separately hold consumable foodstuffs, comprising: a firstcontainer generally elongated about a first longitudinal axis,comprising: a first container base; a first container sidewall extendingfrom the base to define a first container mouth, the first containersidewall being formed by inner and outer panels, the inner panel and thefirst container base defining a first foodstuff receiving cavity, theouter panel being generally coextensive with and spaced from the innerpanel to define a chamber therebetween; and thermal energy storagematerial being located in the chamber; a second container generallyelongated about a second longitudinal axis, comprising: a secondcontainer base; and a second container sidewall extending from thesecond container base to define a second container mouth, the secondcontainer sidewall and the second container base defining a secondfoodstuff receiving cavity; wherein the first and second containers aredetachably engageable in a generally end-to-end fashion so that thefirst and second longitudinal axes are aligned to form the two partcontainer.